New Director Named to Lead Disability Law Center
Salt Lake City, UT_ The Board of Trustees of the Disability Law Center (DLC) announced the appointment of Mrs. Adina Zahradnikova as the agency's new Executive Director. Mrs. Zahradnikova replaces Matthew Knotts who retired at the end of 2009 after 15 years of service to the organization.
Mrs. Zahradnikova moved from her hometown of Iasi, Romania to the United States in 1997 as an Open Society Institute Fellow to pursue her Master's Degree in Law at the University of Utah. After graduation, she returned to Romania where she worked as a Project Director for the Peace Corps designing and implementing environmental management programs. She returned to the U.S. in 2000 and began working at the DLC in 2001. Mrs. Zahradnikova has held several positions at the agency including Senior Advocate, Project Coordinator and Interim Executive Director.
When asked about her decision to lead the agency, Mrs. Zahradnikova said, "I am honored to serve the DLC and Utahns of all abilities as we work together to create a community where everyone has value, everyone is respected and everyone is welcome. Although real challenges persist for people with disabilities and their families in trying to access basic services and overcome physical and attitudinal barriers, I remain hopeful about the possibility for real change in the lives of some of our most vulnerable citizens."
Mrs. Zahradnikova is fluent in four languages and holds a Juris Doctorate degree from Al. I. Cuza University College of Law in Iasi, Romania. She lives in Salt Lake City with her husband Ivan and her 8 year-old son, Michael.
The DLC is a private non-profit agency that supports and protects the civil rights of persons with disabilities in Utah. It is part of the federally-mandated disability rights network and serves those with cognitive, mental, sensory and physical disabilities by guarding against abuse; advocating for basic rights; ensuring accountability and promoting equal opportunities. All DLC services are available statewide and free of charge.